Remembering the Inspirational Johnny Green

Home , NASA Research Park, Pete Worden

March 2007 NASA to explore future collaborations with state of Hawaii On March 7, NASA officials explore opportunities for future col- goals,” said Ames Center Director S. announced they have agreed to laborations with the state of Hawaii in Pete Worden. explore future collaborations with the support of the Vision for Space Explo- “We are excited to partner with state of Hawaii in commercial space ration, NASA’s plan to return humans NASA to collaborate on future space initiatives and programs supporting to the moon and later travel to Mars. exploration,” said Hawaii Governor research, education and workforce “This agreement with the state of Linda Lingle, who signed the agree- development. Hawaii is another exciting opportu- ment with Worden during a signing Under the terms of a memo- nity for NASA to work with a partner ceremony in the executive chambers randum of understanding, recently in support of the agency’s explora- at the Hawaii State Capitol. “We are signed in Hawaii, NASA Ames will tion, science and aeronautics mission looking forward to future collabora- continued on page 2 NASA Administrator and Deputy Administrator visit Ames

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin (left) and NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale enjoy a light-hearted moment during an all-hands meeting with Ames employees held in February. During the all-hands session held before a capacity audience in the main

auditorium, Griffin and Dale addressed a variety of topics ranging Trower photo by Tom NASA from NASA’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008 to the center’s role in implementing the Vision for Space Exploration.

Remembering the inspirational Johnny Green Ames security officer Johnny was here, Green became an institution bachelor’s degree in aeronautics with a Green passed away on March 10, unto himself at Ames. Every single minor in business from Embry-Riddle 2007. In the short five years that he day that Green was on duty, he was University in Daytona Beach, Fla. unfailingly cheerful, ready to Five years ago, he began employ- greet every last one of us with a ment with SecTek Inc, serving as a broad grin and a kind word and security officer in support of the Ames a gentle easing into the work Protective Services Office. During this

photo by Jonas Dino day. But we have lost that wel- time, Green made a positive impact on coming voice. every person who entered through a Green served in the U.S. continued on page 2 Navy for 26 years, retiring as a senior chief in 1988. During On the Inside . . . his time in the Navy, he served Page 2 - NASA, Virgin Galactic to explore a tour of duty in Vietnam, was future collaboration stationed in Japan and served Page 3 - NASA researchers are key contributors to climate studies Johnny Green, an Ames security guard, cheerfully greeted on multiple aircraft carriers. employees as they arrived at work. His unexpected death His last duty station was NASA Page 10 - Ames Ongoing Events is a great collective loss for the Ames community. Moffett Field. Green also held a Page 11 - Ames Classifieds www.nasa.gov NASA, Virgin Galactic to explore future collaboration NASA officials recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a U.S. company, Virgin Galactic LLC, to explore the potential for collaborations on the development of space suits, heat shields for spaceships, hybrid rocket motors and hypersonic vehicles capable of traveling five or more times the speed of sound. Under the terms of the memorandum, NASA Ames and Virgin

Galactic LLC, a U.S.-based subsidiary NASA photo by Tom Trower of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, NASA officials recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Virgin Galactic LLC, to ex- will explore possible collaborations plore the potential for collaborations on the development of space suits, heat shields for spaceships, in several technical areas employing hybrid rocket motors and hypersonic vehicles capable of traveling five or more times the speed of capabilities and facilities of Ames. sound. Seated left to right are: NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale, Alex Tai, chief operat- “As we constantly seek to build ing officer for Virgin Galactic LLC and Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden. upon the advances made by explor- ers who have come before us, we now industry.” space economy. embark upon an exciting time in space “We are excited to be working “This new type of private-public exploration history that realizes the with NASA and look forward to fu- partnership can benefit the agency unlimited opportunities presented by ture collaborations in exploration and while helping to foster a new indus- a commercial space economy,” said space travel,” said Alex Tai, vice presi- try,” said Dan Coughlin, NASA’s lead Shana Dale, NASA’s deputy adminis- dent of operations for Virgin Galactic. for the Virgin Galactic agreement. trator. “By encouraging such poten- The agreement with Virgin Galac- The memorandum of understand- tial collaborations, NASA supports the tic was negotiated through NASA’s ing will be in effect for two years and development of greater commercial Space Portal, a newly formed orga- stipulates that neither NASA nor collaboration and applications that nization in the NASA Research Park Virgin Galactic will be required to pay will serve to strengthen and enhance at Ames, which seeks to engage new any fees or provide funds to support the future benefits of space exploration opportunities for NASA to promote the areas of possible collaboration. for all of mankind.” the development of the commercial by Michael Mewhinney Dale is a longtime supporter of commercial space development. As the former staff director of the U.S. NASA, Hawaii future collaborations House of Representatives Subcom- continued from front page mittee on Space and Aeronautics, she tions with NASA to develop innova- partnerships with NASA to promote was instrumental in the passage of the tive opportunities in aerospace-related the development of commercial space Commercial Space Act of 1998. This fields that capitalize on Hawaii’s exploration. legislation encourages commercial science and technology resources and The memorandum of understand- space development in a variety of capabilities.” ing will be in effect for two years and areas, including launch vehicles, the The agreement with the state stipulates that neither NASA nor the International Space Station and the of Hawaii was negotiated through state of Hawaii will be required to pay acquisition of space and Earth science NASA’s Space Portal, a newly formed any fees or provide funds to support data. organization in NASA Research Park the areas of collaboration. “This understanding with Virgin at Ames that seeks to engage new Galactic affords NASA an opportunity by Michael Mewhinney to work with an emerging company in the commercial human space transpor- Remembering Johnny Green tation industry to support the agency’s continued from front page exploration, science and aeronautics gate he was guarding. His encouraging front gate from which he greeted us. mission goals,” said Ames Center words, unfailing smile and energetic A memorial service was held at Director S. Pete Worden. “Our location signature arm pump will be missed. Ames in his honor on March 21. in California’s Silicon Valley provides a dynamic research and development Few people have found such simple Donations can be made to: Johnny platform for future potential collabo- ways to leave such a lasting impres- G. Green Memorial Fund, Account rations with other such companies in sion in the hearts of so many. A tree # 246033, Golden Bay FCU, P.O. Box support of a robust commercial space will be planted in his honor, near the 1449, Mountain View, CA 94042-1449. Astrogram March 2007 NASA researchers are key contributors to climate studies Many agree that one of the greatest group achievement awards. MA) mission that studied the birth scientific challenges of the 21st century This past year, ESPO managed of tropical hurricanes off the coast of is to understand the complexities of missions at nearly a dozen different West Africa. Based in the Cape Verde our home planet’s climate. While most sites, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Islands, researchers used NASA’s DC- Earth science data are acquired from Alaska, the Cape Verde Islands and 8 aircraft and multiple ground sites to the many Earth-orbiting satellites, collect atmospheric readings on the much of the critical data can be gath- composition, structure and forma- ered only at the research site to really tion of developing tropical systems as understand the detailed processes. they cross the Atlantic Ocean on their NASA scientists conduct field westward track. research missions to acquire this key “The remoteness of the location, data in every continent of the globe, the limited amount of time to organize from the Arctic to the Antarctic. One it, and the large number of scientists group in particular has been intricate- and multiple ground sites made it a ly involved in many of these research complex mission to manage,” said projects, the NASA Ames’ Earth Sci- Mike Gaunce, NAMMA project man- ence Project Office (ESPO). ager. The ESPO group has provided ESPO’s major mission this year overall project management for large, is the Tropical Composition, Cloud multi-agency, national and interna- and Climate Coupling (TC4) mission, tional Earth science field campaigns which will be conducted in Costa for more than 20 years. Whether it is Rica this summer. The mission will studying the Earth’s ozone layer, the utilize NASA’s ER-2, WB-57 and DC-8 The Earth Science Project Office group: Front row, left production of thunderstorms, inter- to right: Dan Chirica, Steven Gaines and Kent Shiffer. aircraft, as well as multiple radar and continental pollution, hurricane track- Middle row: Mike Gaunce, Sue Tolley, Mike Craig and ground sites to study the upper atmo- ing and intensification, or tracing the Quincy Allison. Back row: Marilyn Vasques. sphere of the tropical region. atmospheric effects of global warming, In addition to Craig and Gaunce, the ESPO team plays a large role in the U.S. One major NASA airborne the ESPO staff includes Kent Shiffer, the scientific understanding of these science field campaign in 2006 was the Marilyn Vasques, Quincy Allison, phenomena. Intercontinental Chemical Transport Steven Gaines, Sue Tolley and Dan The team is responsible for the Experiment (INTEX-B). Chirica. planning, implementation and man- The purpose of this mission was to “This is an amazing job”, said agement of the often complex logistics understand the transport and trans- Gaunce, one of the lead ESPO project required for fielding all the scientific formation of gases and aerosols on managers. “Organizing and manag- personnel and equipment of a par- transcontinental and intercontinental ing field deployments are a critical ticular mission. Each mission has its scales while assessing their impact on part of getting the scientific data to own specific requirements, including air quality and climate. ESPO man- understand what’s happening to the identifying the most advantageous aged this large mission, which in- Earth’s climate. We work with all geographic sites from which data can cluded more than 300 participants and types of people all over world, from be collected, and ensuring that NASA four aircraft equipped with more than ambassadors to truck drivers. I’m very aircraft and personnel can be accom- 41 scientific instruments, to sample the fortunate to be a part of it.” modated in some very remote loca- chemistry of the upper atmosphere. To find out more about ESPO and tions. Another successful mission in its work, go to the group’s Web site at The ESPO team has a long history 2006 was the NASA African Monsoon http://www.espo.nasa.gov of successful field campaigns, begin- Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAM- by Ruth Marlaire ning in 1987 with both the Strato- sphere-Troposphere Exchange Project and the Airborne Antarctic Ozone Ex- Astronaut Tom Jones speaks at Ames pedition experiments. To date, ESPO has managed more than 30 large, Planetary scientist and veteran shuttle astronaut complex missions on five continents, Tom Jones presented a director’s colloquium on each with anywhere from 80 to 400 March 13 and also delivered a free public lecture that same evening at Ames. He discussed scientific personnel involved. his new book, ‘Skywalking: An Astronaut’s “I’m very proud of our reputa- Memoir,’ detailing his experiences as mission tion,” said Michael Craig, the ESPO photo byNASA Dominic Hart specialist and payload commander aboard four director. “NASA Headquarters relies space shuttle flights and signed copies of the book on us to make these missions happen after the lecture. and at the lowest possible cost.” ESPO has received four exceptional achievement medals and more than 20 NASA Astrogram March 2007 Ames scientist Jeffrey Cuzzi awarded AGS Fellow Ames scientist Jeffrey Cuzzi to join the Voyager imaging team as has been elected Fellow by the Ameri- its rings expert, which later became can Geophysical Society for 25 years the Saturn-Orbiter-Dual-probe mis- of planetary rings research. Each year, sion. He also was the interdisciplinary members of the American Geophysi- scientist for rings and dust for the Cas- cal Society honor some of their peers sini-Huygens international effort. as Fellows. Fellows are recognized for Cuzzi’s major awards include the outstanding contributions to the ad- Hart Dominic by photo NASA Lawrence Sperry Award (AIAA -1982); vancement of the geophysical sciences, Exceptional Scientific Achievement to the service of the community and to Medal (NASA -1982, 1986, 1999); Sus- the publics understanding. tained Superior Performance Award Cuzzi, a senior scientist in the (NASA Ames -1986); Ames Associate Space Science Division at Ames, has Fellow Award (Ames-1987); Special made ongoing contributions to the Achievement Award (Space Science interdisciplinary study of planetary Division -1989, 1994); Editor’s Com- science. He started his career model- mendation for Excellent Referees (Ica- ing Saturn’s rings, which helped him rus -1991, 1993); Ames Honor Award theorize the properties of ring mate- for Excellence (Manager/Supervisor rial, the nature of ring structure and Ames scientist Jeff Cuzzi, recently elected Fellow - 1995); H. Julian Allen Award for best by the American Geophysical Society for his 25 the physical processes involved. years of planetary rings research. Ames research paper (1997); NASA When Ames was conducting engi- Group Achievement Award, Cassini neering studies for planetary probes, the Titan entry probe --- work that was IDS’s (1998); and the NASA Group it gave Cuzzi the opportunity to do used by the European Space Agency Achievement Award, Astrobiology preliminary work for the design on 30 years later. He was later invited Team (2000). by Ruth Marlaire Ames holds science panel to inspire girls to higher learning

Recently, Ames scientists held a panel to encourage girls to pursue science, engineering and math careers. More than 50 girls from five high schools in Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton listened to NASA employees (left to right) Bernie Luna (Code SCB); Karen Gundy- Burlet (Code TI); Dora Herrera (Code PFP) and Kim Wagenbach (Code PM). The girls are part of a program that encourages female students to enroll in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses; supports female students already enrolled in those classes; encourages female students to explore a variety of STEM careers; and demonstrates the link between current course selection and future career paths. Photo by Tom Clausen Wheelchair-accessible van now available in Dispatch Vivian Torres and Tony Calvo Olliges suggested the motor pool look put forth are a good example of exam- recently were recognized with a certifi- into adding a wheelchair-accessible ining a center system that may exclude cate of appreciation from the Diversity van to the GSA fleet. certain groups of individuals. Their Equal Opportunity Board (DEOB) by Torres and Calvo worked diligent- assessment rendered corrective actions the DEOB chair, Ames Associate Direc- ly with the GSA provider and in a very to change a deficiency in a system and tor of Institutions and Research Steve short time, augmented the dispatch ensure that vehicles are available for Zornetzer. program with a wheelchair- accessible all Ames employees. Torres and Calvo are on staff in the vehicle. The vehicle is now part of the The DEOB encourages all person- motor pool and manage the center’s Ames government vehicle fleet and nel at the center to evaluate vari- vehicle fleet program. They both rec- can be reserved by employees requir- ous processes, policies, systems and ognized that the center’s dispatching ing transportation of individuals in procedures to determine if any group fleet did not have accessible vehicles wheelchairs. of center employees may experi- for use by individuals in wheel chairs. Additional evaluation of the ence exclusion or impediments to Essentially, individuals in wheel chairs shuttle buses in the Ames fleet re- the effectiveness of productivity and were excluded from utilizing the dis- sulted in retrofitting to an upgraded initiate the necessary steps to ensure patch vehicle program as passengers. system designed for the securing of effectiveness and inclusion of all Ames Deputy Director of Safety, Environ- wheelchairs and their occupants. employees. mental and Mission Assurance Sandy The efforts that Torres and Calvo by Eric Kristich Astrogram March 2007 Long-time Ames contractor Allen “Al” Ross dies Allen (Al) H. Ross died unexpect- and geostationary domestic satellite edly in February at his home in Gard- systems. nerville, Nev. Known as “Al,” he was He contributed significantly to es- a highly regarded network-engineer- tablishing the first television broadcast ing contractor at Ames for 33 years. to Ames from Antarctica and the first Originally from Florida, Ross video broadcast from the arctic. trained in electronics while serving Last summer, he helped set up the in the U.S. Air Force and went on to Ames side of a satellite communica- receive his associate of arts degree in tions system that enabled the remote computer information systems from operation from Ames of two micro- De Anza College in Cupertino. rovers in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Ross was highly skilled in the Ross is survived by his wife of 32 operation and maintenance of sophis- years, Kay, his sons Logan and Taiho, ticated satellite tracking, telemetry and and his daughter Veronica. ground control stations; data acquisition and processing systems; magnetic by Larry Laufenberg testing and earthquake forecasting; Allen (Al) H. Ross Ames celebrates National African-American History Month During National African Ameri- month with a plethora of activi- can History Month in February, we ties and events. celebrate and reflect on the many The main event, ‘A Patch- outstanding achievements and contri- work Quilt,’ took place on Feb. 28 in the early afternoon in the main auditorium at Ames. The program provided an oration of stories to give the audience a glimpse NASA photos by Dominic Hart of the lives Sherry Patterson, from CI Travel, plays the pivotal role of of some the grandmother as she shares the story of the Patchwork prominent Quilt during the recent event at Ames. and lesser- known people the African-American style quilts was who were born. African-American patchwork instrumental in quilts were made of cloth and provid- the formation of ed a narrative of family history. Stories African- Ameri- were told through quilts and they pro- can history. vided visual records of family events The cast of the Patchwork Quilt gather for a photo at the end of the performance The title, such as birth, marriage, geographical held recently at Ames in celebration of National African-American History ‘A Patchwork locations, and spiritual dedication. Month. Front row, left to right, Terrence Montgomery, Sherry Patterson and Quilt,’ was The program concluded with a Ken Freeman. Back row, left to right: Jeanne Caldwell, Joe Sheilds, Kevin Jones, derived from the reception in the lobby of Building 200 Leticha Hawkins, Paula Harris, Rose King, Onike Bright and Sheila Johnson. African-Ameri- featuring a selection of baked spe- can tradition of cialty desserts prepared by Brown Girl butions made by African Americans to storytelling and historical documenta- Kitchen. For more information about our nation in such areas as education, tion. As the slave trade brought mil- this and other events sponsored by the defense, science, art, religion, business lions of Africans to the Americas, these African-American Advisory Group, and entertainment. The national theme African slaves brought with them please send any correspondence to for 2007 is ‘From Slavery to Freedom: the traditional appliqué technique AAAG Chair Kevin Jones at Kevin. The Story of Africans in the Ameri- of quilt making. In combining tradi- [email protected]. cas.’ The African-American Advisory tional African appliqué technique with by Kevin Jones Group (AAAG) at Ames celebrated the traditional European quilting styles, Astrogram March 2007 Ames offers on-site career counseling for employees A unique benefit that NASA has one-on-one counseling; job placement most sessions take place at the career afforded its employees is an on-site services; assistance with resume writ- center, arrangements can be made for Career Transition Assistance Program ing and interviewing skills; and job customized workshops to be delivered (CTAP) career center. The Ames development. The services are confi- directly to organizations. Contact dential, and no feedback is Kinnune at ext. 4-3792, or by e-mail at provided to management. [email protected] to sched- The career center is ule a one-on-one counseling session or staffed by Barb Kinnune, a if you have questions concerning the seasoned career counselor CTAP center or offered courses. who offers a combination As with all training, employees of extensive recruiting and must coordinate any work absences coaching skills. She enthu- with their supervisor and schedule siastically facilitates various training around work requirements. lunch-and-learn sessions Employees (including contractors) and workshops related also must register for the workshops to effectively managing through the SATERN system. Em- one’s career and navigat- ployees who are charging to Code ing the work environment. DDX WBS element numbers may use photo by Leticha Hawkins Kinnune is experienced those charge codes in conjunction with Barb Kinnune, the Career Transition Assistance Program with addressing the issues all CTAP Center activities, or activi- (CTAP) career center career counselor, at the CTAP center. associated with transition ties sponsored by one of its partners career center provides career manage- and assisting employees with the deci- at the Connect! Job Seekers center in ment services for all Ames civil cervice sion-making process concerning job Sunnyvale. The percentage of time employees and their spouses. All changes or retirement. charged as training must not exceed group events are open to contractors The CTAP center is located in the percentage of time approved by on a space-available basis. trailer number T28H, DeFrance Ave. their detail supervisor. The CTAP center services include: (across from bldg. N-255). While by Leticha Hawkins NRP tenant Pragati makes knowledge connections NASA Research Park tenant In 2004, under Phase I Small Pragati Synergetic Research Inc. is Business Innovative Research planning for a bright future. “My (SBIR) at Ames, Pragati used the long-term plan is to add value to exist- Expozé tool suite in a pilot study ing information systems by providing to analyze safety-related reports a high-end analysis tool for (infor- written by airline pilots. The mation) reuse, interoperability and conceptual clusters discovered by quality assurance,” said founder and Expozé revealed regular patterns chief executive officer Mala Mehrotra, of preventive measures pilots took sitting in her sunny office in Bldg. 19 when conditions such as turbu- at the NASA Research Park (NRP). lence, icy conditions, or birds fly- The company’s vision, she noted, is to ing into the blade fans occurred in provide innovative software solutions flight. A laundry list of preventive for data analysis. measures on how to avoid similar Since joining the NRP in June 2005, accidents in the future could be Pragati has spent the past few years drawn up from Pragati’s analysis. Pragati President and CEO Mala Mehrotra. designing a proprietary software suite Although currently Pragati has called Expozé. a Phase II SBIR with the Office of tial collaborations at NASA Ames’ Expozé is a clustering tool aimed Naval Research, it has previously Information Technology directorate. at ferreting out interesting patterns of served various federal agencies such Mehrotra’s two years at the NRP information from large, complex infor- as the Defense Advanced Research have been valuable. “I like the quiet, mation systems, such as those found Projects Agency, NASA, the Air Force campus-like atmosphere, yet there are at government agencies like NASA, and the Department of Transportation. always people to talk to,” she said. the intelligence community and the Pragati is looking forward to Phase Pragati has a team of six -- three Department of Defense, explains III, the commercialization of Expozé’s software developers, a software archi- Mehrotra. True to its name, Expozé tool suite with the Army, the Air tect, a business development manager exposes hidden patterns in the data Force’s Rome Labs and the intelligence and a business adviser. and helps analyze key information for community. With wider exposure in by Kathleen Burton its end users. mind, Pragati also is pursuing poten- Astrogram March 2007 Worden receives Ames Sailing Club honorary membership The NASA Ames Sailing Club sails, day sails on the bay, weekend held on the second Thursday of each (ASC) celebrated the start of its 10th cruises alongthe coast and recreational month (March through November) year with the annual officer installa- racing. Instructional opportunities are from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. in Bldg tion dinner held at Don Giovanni’s in also available. 262, Rm 100. All Moffett Field em- Mountain View in February. ployees and their guests are Among the invited guests welcome. was Ames Center Director The ASC is sponsored by S. Pete Worden, who was the NASA Ames Exchange presented with an honorary and is open to all NASA Sailing Club membership by employees, contractors, club President Brian Gore students and their guests. and club shore director Paul No previous sailing experi- Birch. ence is required, so come The Ames Sailing Club aboard and enjoyclear skies, was founded in 1997 by Greg bright sun, cool breezes and Sherwood, who had a vision spectacular views that make to provide Moffett Field em- San Francisco Bay one of the ployees and their families an best sailing locations in the opportunity to enjoy the art Ames Sailing Club President Brian Gore (far left); Shore Director Paul Birch world. New member dues (center) present Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden (far right) with an and sport of sailing. Today honorary Sailing Club membership certificate at the recent annual Sailing Club are $35 and include one free for locals ready to take a sail officer installation dinner. sail. Renewal dues are only and enjoy brisk sea breezes, $10 per year. the Ames Sailing Club provides access The ASC hosts monthly meetings For more information about to the best sailing and most dramatic with presentations about local and membership, activities and monthly backdrops on the California coast. exotic cruising destinations, racing, meeting topics, visit the ASC Web site The ASC organizes regular sails out of navigation and more. Past meetings at http://www.sail.arc.nasa.gov or local marinas in Redwood City, Santa have included local experts and world contact Ames Sailing Club President Cruz, Monterey, Coyote Point, Oak- renowned guest speakers, such as Brian Gore at ext. 4-2542; or e-mail land and San Francisco. Events range Dawn Riley, Stan Honey and Kame [email protected]). from relaxing ‘attitude adjustment’ Richards. The monthly meetings are by Paul Birch Buying remanufactured toner cartridges for your office printer The federal government is re- ucts. A STMC certified manufacturer toner; quired to buy recycled office products, must be trained to test its cartridges 2. Do they replace all parts? The including remanufactured printer using specific testing equipment ac- drum, wiper blade, primary charge toner cartridges. Although remanu- cording to certain criteria. roller and magnetic rollers are all sub- factured laser toner cartridge qual- What to look for when buying ject to wear and should be replaced; ity continues to improve, recently remanufactured toner cartridges: 3. Do they test 100 percent of their employees have had a few quality cartridges? The best companies re- concerns with toner leaking from quire every cartridge to be tested prior cartridges and faulty memory chips. to sale; and Employees can avoid these mishaps 4. Do they have the STMC logo? by buying certified remanufactured Only manufacturers that have been laser toner cartridges. Although most certified by STMC can use the STMC manufacturers will guarantee their logo (graphic to the left) This logo of- cartridges, only some are certified ten appears on the package. Certified using an industry standard, similar to companies are listed on the Interna- buying a ‘certified’ pre-owned vehicle 1. Do they use cartridges that have tional Imaging Technology Council from a dealership. not been recycled previously? Manu- Web site at http://www.i-itc.org/st- What does ‘certified’ mean? The facturers with strict quality assurance mcompanies.htm. The NASA Supply Standardized Test Method Committee will use only cartridges that have been Store carries cartridges from STMC (STMC) was created by the remanufac- used once since the plastic casing or certified companies. turing industry to standardize meth- shell of a cartridge that has been re- by Mark Lacy ods for testing the quality of its prod- built several times can warp and leak Astrogram March 2007 NASA Research Park leasing and outreach are successful In a short two years, much of the Galactic LLC, recently was negotiated On March 13, 2007, author-astro- available space at NASA Research through NASA’s Space Portal, a newly naut Tom Jones spoke about his book, Park (NRP) has been leased to univer- formed organization in the NASA ‘Sky Walking - an Astronaut’s Mem- sities, non-profit and industry part- Research Park, which seeks to engage oir.’ Jones talked about his experiences new opportunities as a mission specialist and payload for NASA to promote commander aboard four space shuttle the development of flights. the commercial space NRP also conducts ‘technology economy. showcases,’ Burton added. “The main NASA officials hope is for the technology showcase recently signed a events to bring in business leaders so memorandum of they can find out more about NASA understanding with partnership opportunities,” Burton Virgin Galactic to ex- said. The next technology showcase is plore the potential for scheduled to take place in Bldg. 3, the collaboration on the NASA Ames Conference Center, on development of space April 24 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. suits, heat shields for During the event, NASA partners spaceships, hybrid will exhibit and discuss their business rocket motors and ideas and technology for Silicon Valley hypersonic vehicles decision makers, showcasing NASA Building 19, headquarters of NASA Ames Research Park, an integrated, capable of traveling partnerships at NRP. Representatives dynamic research and education community which cultivates diverse five or more times the from the NRP community--Honeybee partnerships with academia, industry and non-profit organizations in speed of sound. Robotics, Machine to Machine Intel- support of NASA’s mission. NASA Ames also ligence and other organizations--will recently signed a make short presentations about intel- ners. “Ames was one of two NASA Space Act Agreement with Google to ligent robots, space commercialization centers granted enhanced use leasing work together on technical problems and voice-activated and wireless com- authority. The NRP team has been ex- including large-scale data manage- munications. tremely successful in maximizing the ment, massively distributed comput- Some of the current NPR partners use of this unique authority by bring- ing and human-computer interfaces. include: Apprion Inc.; Advanced ing collaborative partners into the NASA and Google are also finalizing Wireless Communications; Santa Research Park,” said Mejghan Haider, details for additional collaborations Clara University - CREST (Center for chief NASA Research Park. including joint research, products, Robotic Exploration and Space Tech- “Two open house events, a facilities, education and missions, ac- nology); United Negro College Fund revamped NRP Web site, numerous cording to a NASA news release. Special Programs; Tibion Inc.; Jump- outreach events and great center sup- “The NASA Research Park has ing Beans; Pragati Inc.; Carnegie- port has enabled us to almost reach reached out into the surrounding com- Mellon University - West; Ozen our capacity,” said Diane Farrar, NRP munity in several important ways,” Engineering; Inovamar; Changene; marketing lead. added Kathleen Burton, a business Gary Air; Telebrowse; Digiproofs; “Ninety-eight percent of the avail- development specialist with NRP. “For E4Exchange; Photozig; Zenpire Corp.; able space has been leased and we two years, we sponsored the NRP IntelligenTek; University of California, have 50-plus partners on site, “ said Exploration Lecture series, the mission Santa Cruz; Golden Bay Federal Credit Haider. About 4,000 square feet of of which is to inspire the explorer in Union; ASRC Aerospace; Blu Point renovated office space still is available everyone,” Burton observed. Global; Moffett Field History Muse- within the Historic District of the NRP, Past lecture speakers have includ- um; Intrinsyx; NXAR; Top Quadrant; and the NRP team is working to bring ed renowned authors. Andrew Chai- UAV Collab; Western Disaster Center; more interim space on line to address kin, who spoke about ‘Moon, Mars the Mars Institute; Planner’s Collab- the demand by many existing partners and Beyond,’ and wrote the book, ‘A orative; SAIC Corp.; M2MI (Machine growing and expanding, in addition Man on the Moon: The Triumphant to Machine Intelligence); Honeybee to, 4.2M square feet of entitlement for Story of the Apollo Space Program.’ Robotics; Bloom Energy; Ecliptic En- new construction,” Haider added. Red Whittaker of Carnegie Mellon terprises; and QTech Inc. NRP and Partnership Office of- University, who led the university’s For more information about NASA ficials continue to use innovative 2005 entry in the Defense Advanced Research Park, please visit: http:// methods to increase NASA’s col- Research Projects Agency (DARPA) www.researchpark.arc.nasa.gov laboration with partners at NRP. For Grand Challenge Remote Robotic by John Bluck example, an agreement with Virgin Vehicle Race, also was a speaker.

Astrogram March 2007 AIB Express and Environmental Services events set On April 19, the Environmental sion has invited Earth Care Recycling batteries and appliances containing Services Division will host its yearly to collect and recycle your personal freon, oil or any fuel (e.g., air condi- Earth Day 2007 celebration. Earth Day electronic equipment. Earth Care is a tioners, lawn mowers). If you have is the annual event celebrated nation- state-authorized collector of electronic any questions about whether or not a wide to recognize the value of our devices. Visit their Web site at www. specific item can be recycled, contact environment. The event will be held earthcarerecycling.com. EarthCare at (408) 573-8573. in conjunction with the AIB Express Please note that NASA-owned Customer Appreciation Day semi- equipment absolutely cannot be ac- Earth Day Photo Contest yearly free luncheon. From 11:00 a.m. cepted for recycling at this event. To You are encouraged to submit a to 1:00 p.m., AIB Express will host its recycle government-owned equip- photo that you feel best reflects the luncheon in building N-255. Compa- ment, contact Frank Custer in the meaning of Earth Day; an image that nies that offer alternatives to tradition- Logistics Branch at ext. 4-4058. Fol- celebrates the Earth’s natural environ- al commute methods will be on hand lowing is a list of items that can and ment. Please do not limit your creativ- to share information. Other scheduled cannot be accepted for recycling at ity. We encourage imaginative and Earth Day activities are as follows: this event. Acceptable items: Com- artistic interpretation of Earth Day. puter monitors, computer hard drives, Winners will be chosen by popular Founder of the Regeneration Project, laptops, printers, televisions, stereos, vote at the April 19 luncheon. To learn Reverend Sally Bingham, to speak at VCRs, cell phones, calculators and more about submission details, e-mail Ames for Earth Day PDAs. Non-acceptable items: large Stacy St. Louis at [email protected]. appliances (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, nasa.gov. Date: Tuesday, April 17 washing machines); fluorescent bulbs, Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Place: Building 943, Eagle Room

The mission of the Regeneration Ames Bicycle Club to host talk Project’s ‘Interfaith Power and Light As part of the Earth Day celebra- with respect to typical police officers, Campaign’ is to mobilize a response tions, the Ames Bicycle Club will host insurance companies and injuries. to global warming within the business a talk by Dawn Hassell to find out a The main points she will discuss will element of the religious community. lawyer’s view of ‘What You Need to be: When a motorist hits a cyclist what For more information, contact Stacy know about Bicycles and the Law.’ can be done about it; legal rights and St. Louis at ext. 4-6810 or at e-mail responsibilities of bicyclists; how traf- [email protected]. Date: April 19 fic laws apply to cyclists; what bicy- Electronic Waste Recycling Event Time: Noon to 1 p.m. clists can do to improve a dangerous Place: N255 lecture room road; and what to do if injured by a Date: April 18 to 19 careless motorist. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hassell’s talk will provide a Location: in the parking lot perspective of where bicyclists stand behind the white tent at the Moffett Blvd. gate

Has yet another one of your Free public talk on climate electronic gadgets become obso- lete? Don’t throw it out! Recycle it at catastrophes among the planets Ames’ free electronic waste recycling Astronomer David Grinspoon of Valley Astronomy Lectures and is event on April 18 to 19, open to all the Denver Museum of Nature and free and open to the public. Parking Ames employees, contractors, NASA Science, will give a non-technical, on campus costs $2. Call the series illustrated talk entitled, ‘Comparing Research Park tenants and local hot-line at (650) 949-7888 for more Worlds: Climate Catastrophes in the information and driving directions. community residents. Hundreds of Solar System.’ This will be the Carl Sagan Medal thousands of computers, televisions Lecture of the American Astronomi- and other electronic items are replaced Date: Wednesday, April 11 cal Society with Grinspoon receiving in California every year. This e-waste Time: 7 p.m. the medal at the event. contains materials such as lead, mer- Place: Smithwick Theater No background in science will be cury, arsenic and cadmium that can be Foothill College required for this talk. hazardous if not disposed of properly. El Monte Road The lecture is co-sponsored by They also contain valuable materials and Freeway 280, NASA Ames; The Foothill College that can be recovered for recycling. In Los Altos Hills Astronomy Program; The SETI Insti- tute and the Astronomical Society of celebration of Earth Day, the NASA This event is part of the Silicon Ames Environmental Services Divi- the Pacific.

Astrogram March 2007 Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday Ames Child Care Center Board of Directors Ames Sailing Club Mtg, second Thursday of of each month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from Mtg, every other Tuesday in N-229/Rm 117 ea. month (March through Nov), from 12:00 N-255). POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. from 12 - 1:30 p.m. POC: Julie Schonfeld, ext. p.m. -1:00 p.m. in Bldg. N-262, Rm 100. URL: 4-6262. 4-6504. http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Becky Hooey, ext. 4-2399. Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on Ames Contractor Council Mtg, first Wednes- Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 p.m. day each month, 11 a.m., N-200, Committee Environmental Forum, first Thursday every Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. Held in Room. POC: Chris Johnson, ext. (650) 938- other month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Bldg. Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: Helen Hwang 8017. 218/2nd floor training room. URL: http://q/ at [email protected], ext. 4-1368. qe/events/EHSseries/ POC: Stacy St. Louis Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Mtg, at ext. 4-6810. Ames Bicycling Club, Every 3rd Wednesday third Wednesday of ea. month, 12 p.m. to 1 of the month. The meeting location is Build- p.m., Bldg. 221, Rm 104. Guests welcome. The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Excel- ing 19, Conference Room 1083 and the meeting Info at: http://www.afeu.org. POC: Marianne lence (HACE) Mtg, first Thurs of month in time is 12 noon - 1 p.m. Contact Julie Nottage Mosher, ext. 4-4055. N255 room 101C from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at [email protected], ext. 4-3711. By- POC: Eric Kristich at ext. 4-5137 and Mark laws of Ames Bicycling Club can be found at Ames Mac Support Group Mtg, third Tuesday Leon at ext. 4-6498. http://zen.arc.nasa.gov; the link is right under of ea. month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N262, the picture. Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340. Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., N-269/Rm.179. POC: Miwa Hayashi at Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes on Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-con- ext. 4-1397, [email protected], Web: Thursday nights at 6:20 p.m. Seeking substitute trolled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com bowlers. Questions to sign up: Mike Liu at ext. on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, 4-1132. ext. 4-6193. Native American Advisory Committee Mtg, fourth Tues each month, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu at ext. 4-1132. Ames emergency announcements Protective Services monthly activity To hear the centerwide status record- A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s ing, call (650) 604-9999 for informa- Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month tion announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You of February 2007 is shown below. can also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. Security/Law Enforcement Activity

Safety Data

NASA-Ames Occupational Illness-Injury Data for Calendar Year-to-Date 2007 Jan. 1, 2007 – Feb. 28, 2007

Civil Contractors Servants

First aid cases 1 3 Fire Protection Activity

Lost Workday cases 0 0

Recordable cases 0 0

Restricted duty days 0 0

Above data are as of 02/28/07. May be subject to slight adjustment in the event of a new case or new information regarding an existing case.

10 Astrogram March 2007 Ames Classifieds Exchange Information Incline Village, Forest Pines, Lake Tahoe condo, 3 Ads for the next issue should be sent to astrogram@ bdrms/2 ba, sleeps 8, fireplace, TVs/VCR/DVD, mail.arc.nasa.gov and must be resubmitted for each Information about products, services and oppor- stereo w/CD player, microwv, W/D, jacuzzi, sauna, issue. Ads must involve personal needs or items; (no tunities provided to the employee and contractor outdoor pool. Walk to lake. Close to ski areas. Visit commercial/third-party ads) and will run on a space- community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit web site for pictures: http://www.ACruiseStore.com available basis only. First-time ads are given priority. the web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov $135/night spring and fall, $173/night summer and Ads must include home phone numbers; Ames exten- winter (holidays higher) plus $125 cleaning fee and sions and email addresses will be accepted for carpool Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in 12 percent Nevada room tax. Charlie (650) 743-8990. and lost and found ads only. Due to the volume of the cafeteria , 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 material received, we are unable to verify the accuracy New York, 5th Ave. One fully furnished bedroom Don’t forget to purchase your baby shower, birth- of the statements made in the ads. Caveat emptor! in 24 hour security bldg. overlooking Washington day, holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! Square Park, $2,000/wk or $3,000/mo. negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238. Miscellaneous Visitor Center Gift Shop N-943 M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 The Ames Cat Network needs help finding Paris/France: Fully furnished studio, 5th Arr, Latin homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They range NASA logo merchandise, souvenirs, toys, gifts and Quarter, Notre Dame and Lie-St. Louis., $1,400/wk. from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Tested, educational items. negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238. altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 if you or someone you know are interested in Tickets, etc... N-943 outside the main Santa Cruz townhouse, 2 bedrooms plus study, 2 fostering or adopting a cat. gate, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 and Beyond baths, decks, totally furnished, 3 blocks from beach, Galileo, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ext. 4-6873 available July, August, September; $1,600 per month. Wooden rocking chair $30 or B/O. Free coffee Call (831) 423-5777 (H) or (831) 277-8476 (C). Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. to table. You pick up. Phyllis (408) 718-3282 or e- Lake Tahoe cabin rental in Agate Bay, North Shore. 2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 mail at [email protected]. 4bd/3ba tri-level, AEK, cable TVs, fireplace, BBQ, deck, sleeps 10. Closest skiing is Northstar, Alpine Sleeper sofa bed, like new. Beige/brown, unat- See daily menu at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov and Squaw. Rates are $375 a weekend, $1,000 a week. tached pillows across back, $100. Call (408) Call (408) 867-4656. Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus 765-4935. 1’ Grill and Sports Bar. Call (650) 603-8026. Florida west coast vacation in St. Petersburg, beauti- Maytag 21 cu. ft. refrigerator/freezer, $300; ful 2bd/2ba condo, fully equipped kitchen and furnished, sunset views, 1/4 mile from St. Pete Beach, 4-burner gas range w/self-clean. oven, $200; RV Lots Available Call to reserve a space at (650) 603-7100/01. monthly or 2 week minimum rentals only. Call (703) Stacked washer/dryer (gas), $100; Kenmore 299-8889 or e-mail: [email protected] microwave, $45; Sony CD/DVD player w/re- Civilian/Contrators, $50/mo; military $25/mo mote, $45; 21” color TV w/remote, $60; Rhode Maui luxury oceanfront resort one-bedroom condo Gear 24”, 7-spd Trail-a-Bike (kid’s rideable bike NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 available one week. Rents for $345/night now, trailer), $95; Double jogger stroller, $30; Burley $495/night in the summer. We will rent to an Ames Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? family for $1,750 for the week. See the condo at enclosed double bike trailer, $30; Rampar 27” What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. 10-spd bike (low bar), $5; Specialized 20” 6-spd http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/villafeatures. 19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); jsp?resortID=12 Call (650) 572-8877 for availabilty bike (low bar), $5; HP LaserJet 5L printer (PC), Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l and questions. $15; kid’s plastic table & chairs, $15; kid’s plastic adult) play kitchen w/access., $15. Jeff (650) 328-7191. Monterey Bay vacation rental at Pajaro Dunes, 20 (N-109) 603-8025 Ames Swim Center miles south of Santa Cruz, 3bd/2ba beach house Housing The pool is heated year round! The pool is cur- with distinctive architecture. Beautiful ocean and rently available for lap swim, pool parties and valley views, only 150 ft from the beach, first-class Looking for some one to share 2 bd /1 ba apt. tennis courts. $700/wkend, $2,100/wk including 4 miles from NASA Ames in Sunnyvale. $450 a special events. POC -Chana Langley, Pool Manager (650) 603-8025. Memberships: single member- cleaning by the maid service when you depart. Call month. Downstairs, quiet complex with Squeak- ships: $40/yr. Family memberships: $60/yr. After (408) 252-7260. ers (kitty). Phyllis (408) 718-3282 or e-mail at purchasing a membership, there is an entrance fee: [email protected]. daily entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $40 for South Lake Tahoe large cabin surrounded by 20 uses. Platinum membership - $360/yr. (no daily protected forest, 8 miles from Stateline Sleeps 12 Rivermark single family home for sale: 5 bd/4 fee). Special events: include military training, swim comfortably, 4 bd/3ba. Hot tub/pool table/65” TV Matt (408) 482-5286 full baths, many upgrades. Immaculate condi- team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for special events is $50/hr. tion, 2 years old. Includes first floor guest room South Lake Tahoe cozy home backs up to large open and full bathrm; 3,100+ sq ft; expansive master Vacation Opportunities meadow, 1 mile from Heavenly Valley. Sleeps 11, bdrm; jetted oval spa tub; hardwood tile on first 3 bd/2.5 ba. Large deck with hot tub. Matt (408) floor; upgraded carpet throughout; all stainless Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley townhse, 3bd/2ba. View 482-5286. steel appliances; 2 car garage $1,399,000. More of slopes, close to lifts. Per night: $250, plus $145 cleaning fee. Two night minimum. Includes linens, information at http://www.3cim.com/3cim/ propane fireplace, fully equipped. Call (650) 968- tour.do?method=viewTour&id=1172552322015& 4155, [email protected] view=3 Call (408) 829-3994. Bass Lake vacation rental, 4 mls south of Yosemite. 3bd/1.5 ba, TV, VCR, MW, frplc, BBQ, priv. boat Astrogram deadlines dock. Sleeps 8. $1,050/wk. Call (559) 642-3600 or (650) 390-9668. Please submit articles, calendar and classified advertisements to astro- Big Sur vacation rental, secluded 4bd/2ba house [email protected] no later than in canyon setting. Fully eqpd kitchen. Access to priv. beach. Tub in patio gdn. Halfway between the 10th of each month. If this falls Carmel and Big Sur. $175/night for 2; $225 for 4 on the weekend or holiday, then the and $250 for more, plus $150 cleaning dep. Call following business day becomes the (650) 328-4427. deadline. For Astrogram questions, contact Astrid Olson at the aforemen- Pine Mountain Lake vacation home. Access to golf, tioned e-mail address or ext. 4-3347. tennis, lake, swimming, horseback riding, walk to beach. Three bedrooms/sleeps 10. $100/night. Call (408) 799-4052 or (831) 623-4054.

Astrogram 11 March 2007 Ames Partnerships Office to present technology showcase

The NASA Technology Showcase will be held April 24 from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Bldg. 3, the NASA Ames Conference Center. Sponsored by the Ames Partnerships Office, the showcase will provide an opportunity for more than 40 NASA Research Park partners to exhibit their business technology and discuss their NASA partnerships and collaborations with the Silicon Valley business community. In addition to the exhibits, selected NASA Research Park partners in cutting-edge areas such as intelligent robots, space commercialization and voice activated and wireless communications will give brief presentations. All Ames employees are welcome to attend.

FIRST-CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID National Aeronautics and Space PERMIT NO. 85 Administration MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA

Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Managing Editor...... Ann Sullivan Editor, Layout and Design...... Astrid Olson

You can reach the Astrogram Office at: astrogram@ mail.arc.nasa.gov or by phone at (650) 604-3347. Astrogram Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/astrogram/2007/07astrograms.html

PLEASE RECYCLE Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink.

12 Astrogram March 2007